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Season 10 • Episode 4
Ariel Posen — Tone, Feel, Slide Guitar & Serving the Song

On this episode of The Guitar Hang Podcast, host Jon Stankorb sits down with the incredible Ariel Posen — guitarist, singer, songwriter, and one of the most expressive voices in modern roots and blues-based music.

Ariel is known for his deeply emotional slide guitar work, vocal phrasing that feels inseparable from his playing, and a commitment to serving the song above all else. In this wide-ranging and honest conversation, we dig far beyond surface-level guitar talk.

In this episode, we discuss:
• Developing a personal voice on guitar
• Slide guitar approach, tone, and touch
• How songwriting shapes guitar choices
• Gear philosophy without chasing trends
• Touring, recording, and staying creatively grounded
• Why feel, space, and intention matter more than flash

This episode is a masterclass in musical maturity, tone, and emotional connection, and a must-listen for guitarists, songwriters, and anyone searching for authenticity in their playing.

🎧 Listen on all major podcast platforms
📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube

About Ariel Posen:
Ariel Posen is a Canadian-born guitarist, singer, and songwriter whose work blends blues, roots, rock, and modern songwriting into a deeply personal and expressive sound. His playing is widely respected for its feel, restraint, and unmistakable voice.

Follow & Explore Ariel Posen:
🌐 Official Website: https://www.arielposen.com

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/arielposen

▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ArielPosen

🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/ArielPosen

📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/arielposenmusic

If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review The Guitar Hang Podcast — it helps support the show and keeps these conversations coming.

Follow The Guitar Hang on YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook for clips, behind-the-scenes content, and upcoming guests.

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🎸 The Guitar Hang Podcast: Season 10 • Episode 3
Guest: Michael Nielsen

Season 10 continues with a thoughtful and inspiring conversation featuring guitarist, composer, and creator Michael Nielsen.

In this episode, Jon sits down with Michael to explore the evolving life of a modern guitarist — from composing and producing original music to building sounds, profiles, and creative tools used by players around the world. Michael shares insight into his musical journey, his approach to tone and feel, and how curiosity and consistency have guided his work as both an artist and educator.

They also dive into creativity beyond the guitar — writing music for media, developing signature sounds, and staying inspired while navigating today’s ever-changing musical landscape. This is an honest, grounded conversation about growth, craft, and staying connected to the joy of making music.

A relaxed, musical hang filled with perspective, inspiration, and real-world experience.

🎧 Listen & Subscribe

Follow The Guitar Hang Podcast for weekly conversations with world-class guitarists, composers, educators, and industry voices.

🔗 Jon’s Links

Jon’s Guitar Lounge SKOOL: https://www.skool.com/jonsguitarlounge

Jon’s Guitar Lounge (YouTube):
👉 https://www.youtube.com/@thejonstankorb

The Guitar Hang Podcast:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/@thejonstankorb

Instagram:
👉 https://www.instagram.com/jonstankorb_jonsguitarlounge/

🔗 Michael Nielsen — Links & Music

MY SOUNDS
👉 http://www.bighairyprofiles.com
COMPOSER WEBSITE
👉 http://www.michaelnielsenmusic.com
FACEBOOK
👉 https://www.facebook.com/michael.nielsen.9889
INSTAGRAM
👉 https://www.instagram.com/michaelnielsenmusic
NINJA TRACKS
👉 http://www.NinjaTracks.com

🎵 Michael Nielsen on Spotify

👉 https://open.spotify.com/album/1KiGip
👉 https://open.spotify.com/album/301hV3
👉 https://open.spotify.com/album/5QwO3v

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Season 10, Episode 2 — Noel Johnston

In this episode of The Guitar Hang Podcast, Jon Stankorb sits down with guitarist, educator, and musical chameleon Noel Johnston.

Noel is a rare artist who seamlessly blends jazz, classical, blues, and rock into a voice that’s both deeply informed and unmistakably his own. His playing reflects a lifetime of study, performance, and thoughtful musical exploration — always in service of the music.

Noel is on the guitar faculty at the University of North Texas in the renowned Jazz Guitar Program, performs with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and is the owner of Lone Star Music Academy in Dallas, Texas. As both a performer and educator, he brings a uniquely holistic perspective to musicianship, technique, and musical growth.

In this conversation, Jon and Noel explore:

• Developing a personal musical voice across multiple styles
• The relationship between technique, theory, and expression
• What it really means to understand the guitar neck
• Teaching philosophy and long-term musical development
• Bridging the worlds of classical music, jazz, and modern guitar

This episode is filled with insight for guitarists who are serious about growing — not just technically, but musically.

🎸 Join Jon’s Guitar Lounge Community
If you’re looking to go deeper on the instrument, check out Jon’s Guitar Lounge — a global community of like-minded guitarists featuring:

• Online guitar lessons
• Masterclasses with the greats
• In-depth lessons on theory, improvisation, and understanding the guitar neck
• Gear talk, inspiration, and real musical connection

👉 Join here:
 https://www.skool.com/jonsguitarlounge/about?ref=b839ffbc42bd48d48b75d22f1469f978

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow guitarist who loves the craft.

Thanks for listening — and welcome to The Guitar Hang Podcast

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Season 10, Episode 1 – John Petrucci of Dream Theater

A Christmas Gift to the Guitar Hang Community

As a special thank-you to the loyal listeners of The Guitar Hang Podcast, this Season 10 premiere is offered as a Christmas gift — and there’s no better way to begin than with John Petrucci.

John Petrucci is one of the most influential guitarists of our time — an artist shaped by heroes, and now a hero to generations of players around the world. In this wide-ranging and deeply reflective conversation, John opens up about the musicians who inspired him, the responsibility that comes with influence, and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right creative team over a long career.

We also dive into Dream Theater’s powerful new release, Quarantieme: Live a' Paris — a stunning document of a band still connected, still inspired, and still performing at the highest level.

This episode isn’t about speed or technique — it’s about legacy, gratitude, discipline, and the long game of making music that matters.

In this episode, we discuss:

• The heroes who shaped John Petrucci’s musical voice
 • Becoming an inspiration to your own heroes
 • The value of long-term creative relationships
 • Leadership, humility, and artistic responsibility
 • Dream Theater’s Quarantieme: Live a' Paris album and tour
 • What it takes to sustain excellence over decades

Thank you for being part of this community and for supporting The Guitar Hang Podcast. Your loyalty makes these conversations possible.

🎸 Join Jon’s Guitar Lounge on SKOOL
Lessons, masterclasses, gear deep dives, recording workshops, and a global community of like-minded guitarists:
https://www.skool.com/jonsguitarlounge/about?ref=b839ffbc42bd48d48b75d22f1469f978

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who loves the guitar as much as you do.

I’m Jon Stankorb,
and this is The Guitar Hang Podcast.

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Guest: Terence Reis (The Dire Straits Experience)

In this special episode of The Guitar Hang, I sit down with the incredible Terence Reis, the guitarist and vocalist carrying the torch for The Dire Straits Experience. Terence brings a rare blend of precision, sensitivity, and soul to Mark Knopfler’s music—honoring the legacy while offering his own depth and artistry.

We explore his journey into the Dire Straits world, the nuances of touch and tone, why restraint is often the most powerful musical choice, and how he approaches the emotional storytelling that defines Knopfler’s playing. It’s an inspiring, thoughtful hang with a musician who understands the heart of this music on a deep level.

Whether you’re a Dire Straits devotee, a tone chaser, or someone who simply loves hearing great players talk about the craft, this episode is a beautiful ride.

🎸 Reserve Your VIP Seat — Mark Knopfler Masterclass

If you’re a massive Mark Knopfler and Dire Straits fan, don’t miss this.
We’re hosting a LIVE online Mark Knopfler Masterclass inside Jon’s Guitar Lounge, and Terence Reis is joining us for this special session.

👉 Reserve your VIP seat here:
https://www.skool.com/jonsguitarlounge/calendar

Seats are limited — grab yours now and be part of this unforgettable masterclass experience.

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The Guitar Hang Podcast – Season 9, Episode 9

🎧 Listen & Watch Now
Join host Jon inside The Guitar Hang as he sits down with the extraordinary Angel Vivaldi — guitarist, composer, producer, and creative visionary — fresh off his tour performing with the Steve Morse Band.

In this inspiring conversation, Jon and Angel dive deep into:

• 🎶 Angel’s early musical beginnings and self-taught journey
• 🎸 His various creative projects and how he continues to evolve
• 📲 Social media, branding, and building an authentic artist identity
• 💡 Staying balanced as a modern guitarist in today’s music industry

Whether you’re a player, fan, or fellow creative, this episode delivers motivation, perspective, and plenty of guitar geekery to keep you inspired.

🔗 Links & Resources

👉 Join the Community: https://www.skool.com/jonsguitarlounge

Connect with fellow guitarists, access exclusive lessons, live hangs, and courses.

🎸 Follow Angel Vivaldi:
Website: https://www.angelvivaldi.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/angelvivaldi

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angelvivaldiofficial

🎙️ Follow Jon & The Guitar Hang:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thejonstankorb

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jonstankorb_jonsguitarlounge/

Join the Lounge: https://www.skool.com/jonsguitarlounge

Angel Vivaldi has carved a unique lane in the modern guitar world — blending technical mastery, cinematic songwriting, and a powerful message of artistic authenticity. In this episode, Jon and Angel unpack what it means to live as a creative today — from the grind of touring to the art of connecting with fans.

If you love thought-provoking conversations about music, creativity, and the mindset behind mastery — this is one you don’t want to miss.

🎸 Subscribe, Rate & Share:
If you enjoyed the conversation, please like, comment, and share it with another guitarist.
Your support helps keep The Guitar Hang alive and growing!

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"Conversations with Noteworthy Guitarists from around the World"

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The Guitar Hang Podcast – Season 9, Episode 8

Get ready to shred! In this episode, Jon sits down with YouTube guitar sensation Robert Baker, known for his killer tone, infectious energy, and deep love for all things rock and metal. They dive into Robert’s musical journey, his approach to teaching online, favorite gear, and the creative mindset behind his most popular YouTube lessons.

Whether you’re a tone chaser, a gear nerd, or just love hearing passionate players talk shop, this episode hits all the right notes. 🎶

👉 Connect with Robert Baker:
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RobertBakerGuitar

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertbakerguitar/

Website: robertbakerguitar.com

🎸 Join Jon’s Guitar Lounge:
Sharpen your skills, connect with players, and level up your guitar game inside Jon’s Guitar Lounge on Skool: https://www.skool.com/jonsguitarlounge

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In this episode of The Guitar Hang Podcast, I’m joined by the amazing Alex Skolnick — a guitarist, composer, writer, and all-around creative force best known for his work with Testament, PAKT, and Planetary Coalition.

Alex has spent decades redefining what it means to be a guitarist — moving effortlessly between thrash metal, jazz fusion, and world music. But beyond his musical accomplishments, Alex is also deeply passionate about photography, writing, journalism, and podcasting — all extensions of his lifelong curiosity and storytelling spirit.

We talk about:
 🎶 His evolution from metal guitar prodigy to multi-genre artist.
 📸 How photography and writing inspire his music (and vice versa).
 🧠 Staying creative and grounded in a fast-changing world.
 🎸 Gear, tone, improvisation, and what keeps him excited about the guitar.
 🎤 The role of authenticity, awareness, and artistic growth in his life.

This conversation is a deep dive into the mind of a true modern musician — one who refuses to be boxed in by genre or expectation.

Watch & Listen:
🎧 Subscribe to The Guitar Hang Podcast for more inspiring conversations with legendary players and creative minds.

Follow Alex Skolnick:
🌐 Website: https://alexskolnick.com

📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexskolnick

🎶 Check out his music: Testament
| PAKT
| Planetary Coalition

Join Our Guitar Community:
If you love diving into tone, technique, and creativity, come hang with us at Jon’s Guitar Lounge — an online community for players of all levels.
👉 https://www.skool.com/jonsguitarlounge

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In this special episode of The Guitar Hang Podcast, I’m honoured to welcome legendary guitarist Martin Barre — best known for his groundbreaking work with Jethro Tull and his ongoing project the Martin Barre Band. From crafting iconic riffs and soaring solos to evolving his style in solo and collaborative settings, Martin shares his journey, insights and stories from a lifetime of making music.

In this conversation we cover:

• The early days and joining Jethro Tull.
• The creative process behind classic guitar work, tone, and technique.
• Transitioning to his solo career and the Martin Barre Band.
• Live performance stories, gear talk, and staying inspired after decades in the business.
• Advice for guitarists, songwriters and musicians striving to make their mark.

Whether you’re a fan of classic rock, a guitarist digging into technique and tone, or simply love hearing great music-stories — this episode has something for you.Stay connected with Martin Barre:
Official website & tour/news updates: martinbarre.com
Martin Barre
Follow Martin on social media (Instagram/Facebook) for latest shows and behind-the-scenes. 

🎸 Join our Guitar Community
Want to dive deeper into gear talk, guitar technique, songwriting and connect with fellow players? Become part of Jon’s Guitar Lounge:
👉 https://www.skool.com/jonsguitarlounge

In the Lounge you’ll get:

• Weekly live Q&A sessions with me.
• Gear reviews, tone-breakdowns, lesson clips.
• A community of passionate guitarists to share ideas, ask questions and grow together.
• Exclusive offers on courses, workshops and guest-lectures.

If you loved this episode with Martin Barre, the Lounge is your next step to level-up your playing and connect with others who live and breathe guitar.

 If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to The Guitar Hang Podcast, leave a review, and share it with fellow guitarists and music-lovers. Your support helps us bring more guests like Martin and deeper insight into the craft.

Thanks for listening — let’s keep the music alive!

Feel free to let me know if you’d like a shorter version (for social media) or a version optimized for YouTube/show-notes.

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"Conversations with Noteworthy Guitarists from around the World"

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The Guitar Hang Podcast – Season 9, Episode 5: Inside the Studio with Andrew Synowiec

In this inspiring episode of The Guitar Hang Podcast, we welcome the extraordinary Andrew Synowiec — one of the most in-demand session guitarists and solo artists working today. Andrew’s remarkable career has taken him from recording studios in Los Angeles to stages around the world, performing on projects for major artists, films, and television. His guitar work can be heard on everything from chart-topping pop tracks to award-winning movie scores, showcasing his unmatched versatility and musical precision.

Beyond his thriving session career, Andrew has carved out a vibrant path as a solo artist with acclaimed albums like Second Story, FUN, and GAMES. He shares how he transitioned from supporting other artists to creating his own sound, the creative process behind his records, and the gear and mindset that fuel his playing. We also dive into his experiences working with some of the industry’s most respected musicians, his approach to studio work, and his advice for aspiring guitarists looking to make their mark.

Join us for an engaging and insightful conversation as we explore the artistry, work ethic, and passion that define Andrew Synowiec’s journey. Whether you’re a guitarist, producer, or music lover, this episode delivers valuable lessons and inspiration from one of today’s premier players.

Support the show

"Conversations with Noteworthy Guitarists from around the World"

Support the show

"Conversations with Noteworthy Guitarists from around the World"